US: 0.2% rise in headline and core inflation is expected - Westpac

Analysts at Westpac note that in November, US headline inflation accelerated as gasoline prices jumped while headline consumer prices gained 0.4% in the month and 2.2% over the year, up from 2.0%yr in October.

Key Quotes

“Core inflation however surprised to the downside, rising by just 0.1% as health care and clothing costs weighed.”

“Annual core CPI inflation is currently at 1.7%yr, a level that has been maintained for the past six months.”

“Come December, a 0.2% rise in headline and core inflation is expected as energy price inflation abates and food remains broadly neutral. If the monthly gain comes in as expected, then annual core inflation will hold at its current level.”